E-cigarettes contain fewer cancer-causing chemicals than regular cigarettes
New research shows that smokers that turn to E-cigarettes get lower cancer-causing chemicals but they are exposed to the same amount of nicotine.
An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a handheld electronic device that vaporizes a flavored liquid, which the user inhales. Its fluid is called e-fluid and is usually made of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings. Since their introduction to the market in 2004, global usage of e-cigarettes has risen exponentially and by 2013, there were several million users globally.
The main reasons for e-cigarette usage often relate to quitting smoking and recreation. During a US 2013 survey, 56% of respondents reported having used e-cigarettes to quit or reduce their smoking.
Unfortunately, the neighborhood convenience store usually displays ads for tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Because the products like chew, cigarillos and e-cigarettes are usually equipped with bright packages like candy and gum they tend to be very attractive for children.
Moreover, being placed on the counter or near sweets and having different flavors, like strawberry, cherry and banana split they are believed to influence consumption among minors.
There is no surprise that tobacco companies pay big money so their products get a place where they will be easily seen.
The recent study revealed that people who stop smoking tobacco cigarettes and substitute entirely with e-cigarettes may significantly reduce their exposure to many cancer-causing chemicals.
The study was conducted on 20 daily-smoking adults who had smoked for an average of 12 years and replaced the tobacco cigarettes with e-cigarettes for two weeks. The researchers then checked their urine for levels of nicotine and 17 biomarkers of toxins and carcinogens.
During the two weeks trial, in 12 of the 17 biomarkers, there were noted significant declines. Researchers believed that the declines were comparable to those who quit smoking. However, during the study, the nicotine levels remained the same.
The author of the study believes that e-cigarette use may effectively reduce exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances when completely replacing the tobacco products. However, more studies must be conducted to see if the risk of disease is decreased among dual users -those who both vape and smoke- and those who use e-cigarettes for a long time.
Image source: Wikipedia
Deborah Campbell
